Tasmania joins in flu vaccination halt for children

The season flu shots for children less than five years of age have been suspended in Tasmania, following the other states across the country, informed Tasmania health authorities.

In Western Australia, the flu vaccination program has been suspended indefinitely after more than 20 children suffered from serious adverse health reactions after receiving the flu shots.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration is now working together with the drug regulators to find out whether the problems were caused by a certain batch of vaccine.

Dr Chrissie Pickin, Deputy Director of Public Health of Tasmania says it is a serious situation.

We do take vaccine concerns about safety very seriously and we've agreed to temporarily suspend the seasonal flu vaccination program for children five years and under while we get more information from WA and from other states, she said.